US, Iran Near Deal to End War and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran are negotiating to end their 12-week war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though officials said Monday that a final deal remains uncertain. Iran would surrender its 440.9 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium and reopen the strategic waterway carrying a fifth of the world's oil in exchange for the United States lifting its naval blockade and permitting petroleum sales. Outstanding issues include Iran's domestic enrichment rights, missile program, and Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Shenzhou-23 launches with Hong Kong's first astronaut
China launched Shenzhou-23 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center carrying three astronauts, including Li Jiaying, the first from Hong Kong. The spacecraft docked with the Tiangong space station where the crew will conduct over 100 scientific experiments, with one astronaut set to spend a full year in orbit. Li, a 43-year-old former police superintendent, joins commander Zhu Yangzhu and former air force pilot Zhang Zhiyuan on the mission. China is racing the United States to put humans on the moon, with the US targeting 2028 and China aiming for 2030.
Europe bakes under record May heat, 12C above average
A heat dome has pushed temperatures 12-13 degrees above seasonal averages across Western Europe, with London hitting 32C, Paris and Rome reaching 31C, and southern Spain approaching 38C in record May readings. The blocking anticyclone is forecast to persist for seven more days, trapping warm air from North Africa over the region. France has issued yellow alerts for 18 departments and the UK has placed London under amber warning through Wednesday, with health authorities warning of significant mortality risk among elderly populations. Experts link the event to climate change as Europe remains the fastest-warming continent.
EU Readies Record Fine Against Google
The European Union is preparing to fine Google a high triple-digit million euro amount for antitrust violations, with a decision expected before the summer break. The investigation centers on concerns that Google favors its own services in search results. If imposed, the fine would be the highest penalty ever under the Digital Markets Act. The Commission said it prioritizes future compliance over simple penalties. Google called the required changes "the biggest downgrade in the product's history."
Uber makes €10bn takeover approach for Delivery Hero
Delivery Hero shares surged over 10% on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange after confirming receipt of a €33-per-share takeover proposal from Uber Technologies, valuing the company at approximately €10 billion. Uber's board convened Saturday to improve its offer after a reported €38-per-share bid was rejected by one of Delivery Hero's major shareholders, with investors reportedly expecting more than €40 per share. Uber has raised its stake to 19.5% of issued capital from roughly 7%, becoming its largest shareholder. Delivery Hero shares have gained over 60% year-to-date.
Ebola cases top 900 as virus spreads to Uganda
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 900 cases with 204 deaths, the country's Ministry of Health reported. The World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency on May 17, citing the virus's rapid spread in the eastern province of Ituri, where ongoing conflict has forced civilians and healthcare workers to flee, severely hindering contact tracing. Three new cases have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda, bringing its total to five. The Bundibugyo variant involved has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, and the case fatality rate stands at approximately 50 percent.
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- Young Europeans Pay Into Pension Schemes They Distrust. Nearly half of 18 to 35-year-olds across six EU countries lack confidence in retirement systems, with only 17% believing their future pensions will be sufficient.
- Ferrari's first EV costs €550,000, does 193 mph. Designed by Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, the Luce produces 1,035 hp from four motors and enters production late 2026 as Ferrari's most expensive model yet.
- WHO warns Ebola outbreak outpacing response as deaths hit 220. Director-General says responders are 'playing catch-up' with a fast-moving epidemic that has spread to Uganda, as experts warn the true scale far exceeds confirmed cases.
- Spain unveils €9bn climate plan tied to stalled EU directive. Spain's green overhaul would be co-funded by the EU, directing billions toward housing retrofits and affordable public transit. Right-wing opposition has blocked the required legislation in Congress since 2023.
- Sonny Rollins, jazz sax colossus, dies aged 95. The tenor saxophonist, who overcame heroin addiction and spent three years practicing on a bridge before returning with his comeback album The Bridge, was called the greatest improviser in jazz history.